Buying Software Without Talking with Users Is A Huge Risk!
Users need to speak up when corporate IT mandates tools
that will not work. Here are some things
to discuss with the Executive Team….
Ineffective Software: The software purchased might
not align with the actual needs and workflows of the users. This can result in
inefficiency and frustration as users struggle to adapt to a system that
doesn't meet their requirements.
Wasted Resources: Investing in software that doesn't
meet user needs can be a significant waste of financial and time resources. The
organization may spend money on licenses, training, and implementation, only to
find that the software is not usable.
Resistance to Adoption: Users may resist using the
software, as they weren't involved in the selection process. Resistance can
lead to low adoption rates, which, in turn, hampers the software's ROI and the
organization's ability to realize its benefits.
Lost Productivity: If the software is not
user-friendly or doesn't integrate well with existing systems, users may spend
more time trying to figure it out or working around its limitations. This can
lead to a decrease in overall productivity.
Hidden Costs: Software purchases often come with
hidden costs, such as customization, integration, and ongoing support. Without
user input, these costs may not be adequately accounted for in the budget.
Low Satisfaction: Users who are not consulted in the
software selection process are likely to be less satisfied with the tools they
are provided. Low user satisfaction can affect morale and employee retention.
Missed Opportunities: Users often have valuable
insights into their workflow and can suggest software features or solutions
that address pain points and improve efficiency. Ignoring user input may result
in missed opportunities for process improvement.
Lack of Training and Support: Inadequate
consideration of user needs can lead to a lack of appropriate training and
support for the new software. This can hinder users' ability to effectively use
the software.
To mitigate these risks, it's essential to involve users
and relevant stakeholders in the software selection process. Conducting
needs assessments, gathering user requirements, and seeking feedback can help
ensure that the software chosen aligns with the organization's goals and the
needs of its users.
John M. Cachat
jmc@peproso.com
